the only exception

Swimming turned out to be a lot of fun, but it wasn't too long until they were all running inside to change and watch a movie in the basement. A casual hang out also was starting to mean smoking as well, and Phoebe wasn't about to turn it down. Before long they were all lounging around eating pizza to cure their munchies and watching a movie.

    James and Emily seemed to be off in their own little world, but Phoebe didn't mind too much. Once she got over her initial awkwardness with Hayden, they started talking about any and everything that came to mind.

    That is until she saw a text from Jay trying to plan the date she'd agreed to and felt guilt flow through her. It wasn't like she owed them anything, Jay or Hayden, but she couldn't deny the conflicting feelings she was feeling for both of the guys.

    She liked Jay, she really did, but she also thinks she likes Hayden. Plus, it makes sense she would be with Hayden anyway considering the dynamic of their friend group. Before she could overthink it too much, she sent a quick text to Jay telling him she was sorry, but she thinks they'd be better as friends. It made her feel so bad she couldn't do anything but mute her notifications and try to invest back into the conversation with Hayden.

    They went on like that for hours, James eventually falling asleep and leaving Emily to join in on the conversation with Phoebe and Hayden. Emily was a fun little stoner, but today she was just seeming kind of whiny and needy, but Phoebe is pretty sure she couldn't be annoyed with her if she tried.

    "I'm so hungry," Emily whined.

    Phoebe grinned, passing over a plate, "There's pizza, Em."

    "My mouth is so dry."
    "Do you want some water?"

    "I can't feel my neck, is it gone?"
    "No, your neck is still there."

    "We should go look at the stars."
    "It's light outside."

    Emily frowned, shaking her head, "It shouldn't be."

    "Wait, what time is it?" Phoebe asked quickly, reaching for her phone. 8:27. She was supposed to be home over an hour ago. It also didn't help that there were 3 missed calls from Lydia, 9 from Hayley and even some from her roommate, along with a plethora of texts.

"Shit, shit, shit." The teen mumbled, trying to gather her stuff together.

Hayden sat up from where he was sprawled on the couch, "What's wrong? You okay?"

"I was supposed to be home at seven," Phoebe groaned, "Em, can you get your sister to give me a ride?"

Emily grimaced, "Pheebs, I don't think anyone is safe to drive right now. We smoked down here, and where do you think I got the stuff?"

"Shit," Phoebe groaned, plopping back on the couch and putting her head in her hands. "I'm so dead."

"It's okay!" Emily assured, "I've broken curfew so many times and nothing that bad happens! Your parents always let you do whatever you want anyway."

Phoebe bit her tongue and began scrolling through the messages, ignoring everyone except Hayley.

hayley
7:08pm
Hey lydia just messaged me and said you're late and not answering. Everything okay?

7:28pm
Phoebe????

7:39pm
Where are you?

7:58pm
Text me when you see these please

Phoebe slouched further into the couch, letting out another groan as Hayden and Emily watched her. She could tell they were still high, but felt herself sobering up from all the stress.